HUTCHINSON, Kan. – The big discussion at the Reno County Commission meeting Tuesday is how they plan to man the new entrance to the Reno County Courthouse.
Sheriff Randy Henderson and Commissioner Dan Deming are at odds over the issue with Deming wanting to use civilian employees as opposed to higher paid deputies. He gave a long typed alternate plan to the sheriff’s.
Deming called what the sheriff is suggesting a Cadillac plan and says the county can’t afford it. He wants two new certified officers, four civilian employees and one new civil process server at a total cost of $252,000. The plan by the sheriff would cost around $342,000.
Sheriff Henderson was before the commission to give his thoughts on the issue and told us after the meeting that he’ll look at Commissioner Deming’s plan.
Sheriff Henderson’s concern about using civilian employees is that, because they’re not certified by the state, he doesn’t believe they can carry guns inside the courthouse or law enforcement center. County Counselor Joe O’Sullivan will apparently look into that issue.
There was also talk among commissioners Tuesday of maybe hiring a private security firm to handle duties at a new secure courthouse entrance.
After a lengthy discussion, Commissioner Brad Dillon suggested adding the whole amount suggested by the sheriff to next year’s budget, saying they can cut it down if they decide to do so. But, Deming says it will be halfway through next year before the new entrance is even complete and didn’t think they needed the whole amount. He suggested half at most, which would be around $200,000. Commission Chair James Schlickau agreed that they only needed half for next year and Dillon agreed to go along with that.
That will mean an increase in the total budget. They agreed to publish the budget with that added cost and agreed to a public hearing on Aug. 11. Deming also noted that there will be a nighttime public hearing at the Hutchinson Public Library some time before that, but didn’t give a specific date.